Apparatus and method for high volume pipeline water filtration

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for filtering particulates from a turbid liquid is provided. The apparatus is preferably used to filter particulates from water used to flush a pipeline after a cleaning operation, after hydrostatic testing or during product displacement at a high flow rate. The apparatus includes an inlet valve for receiving the turbid liquid from a liquid source connected to a gas buster for discharging the turbid liquid and air into a break tank located beneath the gas buster. A self-cleaning portable liquid filter having an inlet is connected to an outlet of the break tank and includes a screen filter for receiving the turbid liquid from the break tank. Particulates from the turbid water are accumulated on an internal surface of the screen filter and clean water is discharged from the filter through a discharge port. A flush mechanism is provided to rinse the accumulated particulate cake from the surface of the screen filter upon actuation of an automatic rinse cycle. A sludge tank is located below the filter and flush mechanism for capturing a flush liquid and the particulates. A centrifugal pump driven flush line having a first end connected to the sludge tank and a second end connected to the break tank is provided for recirculating the flush liquid and accumulated particulates from the sludge tank to the break tank to be re-filtered. The turbid liquid is received from the pipeline through the inlet valve and discharged through the gas buster into the break tank. Where a plurality of break tanks are provided, the fluid levels are equalized. The turbid liquid is then pumped from the break tank to the self-cleaning portable liquid filter and a clean liquid is discharged from the outlet thereof An automatic rinse cycle is engaged upon actuation of a signal triggered by sensing of a predetermined pressure differential across an inlet and an outlet of the screen filter.

This application is a divisional of Sr. No. 08/511,305, filed on Aug. 4,1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,652.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for filtering particulatesfrom a liquid at a high flow rate, and more particularly to an apparatusfor filtering particulates from water exiting an oil or gas pipelineduring a chemical pipeline cleaning operation, dewatering afterhydrostatic testing, product displacement or the like.

In the oil and gas pipeline industry, there is occasionally a need toclean and inspect the numerous pipelines in use for transportingpetroleum products. There is also a need to perform hydrostatic testingon the pipeline or to displace a product in the pipeline to properlymaintain the pipeline. Water is normally used to flush the pipelineafter these types of operations have been performed. Gas, oil, chemicalcleaner residue and other particulate matter may accumulate in thepipeline and are carried in the flush water. This creates a problem withdisposal of the flush water upon completion of the operation. The wateris of such a high turbidity that it cannot be introduced directly into anearby body of water. Therefore, there is a need for a method andapparatus for processing a high volume of water and filtering theseparticulates from the water so that it can be reintroduced directly intothe surrounding environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid filtrationsystem wherein a high volume of liquid can be processed quickly. It is afurther object to provide a high volume liquid filtration system whereinthe water to be discharged from the system is clean and environmentallysafe enough to be introduced directly into a natural body of water. Itis a further object of the invention to provide a method and apparatuswhereby turbid water used to flush an oil or gas pipeline after achemical cleaning operation, after hydrostatic testing, or duringproduct displacement can be quickly and easily stripped of particulatematter.

Thus in accomplishing the foregoing objects, there is provided inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention an apparatus forfiltering particulates from a turbid liquid comprising an inlet valvefor receiving said turbid liquid from a liquid source; liquid dischargemeans connected to said inlet valve for discharging said turbid liquidand air; a break tank located beneath said liquid discharge means forreceiving said turbid liquid as it is discharged from said liquiddischarge means; and a self-cleaning portable liquid filter having aninlet connected to an outlet of said break tank. The self-cleaningportable liquid filter preferably comprises a screen filter forreceiving said turbid liquid from said break tank and accumulating saidparticulates on an internal surface thereof, and a filter discharge portlocated downstream from said screen filter for discharging a cleanliquid from said liquid filter. The apparatus according to one aspect ofthe invention further comprises a sludge tank located below said liquidfilter for capturing a flush liquid and said accumulated particulatesupon actuation of an automatic rinse cycle; and a flush line having afirst end connected to said sludge tank and a second end connected tosaid break tank for recirculating the flush liquid and said accumulatedparticulates from the sludge tank to the break tank to be re-filtered.

The liquid discharge means may comprise one or more gas busters, eachcomprising a plurality of random lengths of welded pipe attached to anoversized length of pipe, said oversized length of pipe exhibiting aplurality of slots in an underside thereof for discharging said turbidliquid and air. The break tank may preferably comprise a plurality ofbreak tanks coupled to one another by connecting hoses. According to oneaspect of the invention, each break tank may exhibit a plurality ofvertical partitions therein to promote settling of larger particles.According to one embodiment, each break tank includes two or three suchpartitions. One or more centrifugal pumps may be provided to pump theturbid liquid from the break tank to the self-cleaning portable liquidfilter. Each pump may be provided with means for adjusting andcontrolling the discharge rate thereof. The screen filter may include afirst coarse screen for removing large particulates, and a second finescreen, such as a 50 micron screen, for removing smaller particulates. Adischarge valve, turbine and/or fine 1 micron filter may be locateddownstream from said discharge valve.

The apparatus for filtering particulates from a turbid liquid accordingto one embodiment of the invention may further comprise a flushmechanism having an inlet connected to said liquid filter and an outletfor discharging said flush liquid and said particulates into said sludgetank. The flush mechanism according to one aspect may be comprised of ahollow flush tube exhibiting a plurality of flush nozzles, said flushtube extending into an interior of said fine screen filter for receivingsaid flush liquid and said particulates upon activation of saidautomatic rinse cycle; a radial flow flush impeller connected to adistal end of said flush tube, said impeller exhibiting a plurality ofradial outlets in fluid communication with an interior or said hollowflush tube; a hydraulic cylinder connected to said flush tube and saidflush impeller for axially driving said flush mechanism between afiltration cycle position and a rinse cycle position; and a plurality offlush valves attached to a housing of said self-cleaning portable liquidfilter. Each flush valve may exhibit an inlet which is in fluidcommunication with the outlets of the flush impeller when said flushmechanism is in the rinse cycle position, and an outlet which emptiesinto said sludge tank.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, provided is amethod for filtering particulates from a turbid liquid comprising thesteps of receiving said turbid liquid from a liquid source through aninlet valve; discharging said turbid liquid and air into a break tank;filling said break tank with said turbid liquid; pumping said turbidliquid from said break tank to a self-cleaning portable liquid filter;filtering said turbid liquid through a screen filter, therebyaccumulating said particulates on an internal surface of said screenfilter; discharging a clean liquid from an outlet of said liquid filter;and engaging an automatic rinse cycle upon actuation of a signaltriggered by sensing of a predetermined pressure differential across aninlet and an outlet of said screen filter. The step of engaging anautomatic rinse cycle may further include the steps of rinsing theaccumulated particulates from said filter screen with a flush liquid;depositing said flush liquid and said accumulated particulates into asludge tank located below said filter screen; and pumping said flushliquid and said accumulated particulates from said sludge tank to saidbreak tank to be re-filtered.

The step of rinsing the accumulated particulates from said filter screenwith a flush liquid may further comprise the steps of actuating ahydraulic cylinder to move a flush mechanism from a filtration cycleposition to a rinse cycle position; backflowing flush water through saidfilter screen by applying a suction to the flush mechanism; directingsaid flush water and said accumulated particulates into flush nozzlesprovided on a flush tube extending into the interior of the screenfilter; and discharging said flush water and said accumulatedparticulates from the flush mechanism into said sludge tank.

The step of filling said break tank may include filling a first breaktank with said turbid liquid; filling a second break tank with saidturbid liquid from said first break tank; equalizing the turbid liquidin the first break tank with the turbid liquid in the second break tank;filling a third break tank with said turbid liquid from said secondbreak tank; and equalizing the turbid liquid in said first, second andthird break tanks.

Other and further objects, features and advantages will be apparent andeventually more readily understood from a reading of the followingspecification and accompanying drawings, wherein examples of thepresently preferred embodiments of the invention are given for thepurpose of disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an apparatus for filteringparticulates from a turbid liquid according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a liquid filter unit of the apparatusshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a coarse filter screen and a fine filterscreen shown within a filter tube of the liquid filter unit shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is schematic drawing showing flow patterns within the filtertube shown in FIG. 3 in the normal operating mode before initiation ofthe rinse cycle.

FIG. 4B is schematic drawing showing flow patterns within the filtertube shown in FIG. 3 during the rinse cycle.

FIG. 4C is schematic drawing showing flow patterns within the filtertube shown in FIG. 3 after the rinse cycle.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of an apparatus for filteringparticulates from a turbid liquid according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, a high volume liquid filtration apparatus 10 forfiltering particulates from a turbid liquid according to one embodimentof the present invention generally comprises a full opening inlet valve12 for receiving a turbid liquid from a liquid source, such as apipeline 100; liquid discharge means 14 connected by a length of pipe 16to the full opening inlet valve 12; a break tank 18 located beneath theliquid discharge means 14 for receiving the turbid liquid as it isdischarged from the liquid discharge means 14; and a self-cleaningportable liquid filter 20 having an inlet connected to an outlet of thebreak tank 18. The inlet of the liquid filter 20 may be connected to theoutlet of the break tank 18 by a length of pipe or hose 22 having acentrifugal pump 24 connected in-line for transporting the turbid liquidfrom the break tank 18 to the liquid filter 20. A sample point 26 withan attached valve may be connected to the length of pipe or hose 22 forremoving selected amounts of turbid liquid for analysis. The rate ofturbid liquid discharge from the break tank 18 may be controlled byadjustment of the throttle of the centrifugal pump 24. According to oneembodiment of the invention, the liquid source is an oil/gas pipeline100 and the turbid liquid is water.

The liquid discharge means, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, maycomprise a pair of gas busters 14a, 14b connected in parallel to thelength of pipe 16. According to one aspect of the invention, each gasbuster 14a, 14b may exhibit a plurality of random lengths of welded pipeattached to an oversized length of pipe exhibiting a plurality of slotsin an underside thereof The turbid liquid and air are discharged fromthe plurality of slots into the break tank 18.

As shown in FIG. 1, the break tank 18 may comprise a plurality of breaktanks 18a, 18b, and 18c coupled to one another by connecting hoses. Thefirst break tank 18a is preferably located beneath the gas busters 14aand 14b, as shown in FIG. 1, for receiving the turbid liquid dischargedtherefrom. An expanded metal strainer 28 may be located within the firstbreak tank 18a for trapping large particles. An outlet of the firstbreak tank 18a is connected to a suction inlet of a second break tank18b. A mesh screen 30 may be placed in the second break tank 18b fortrapping large particle that passed through the expanded metal strainer28 of the first break tank 18a. An outlet of the second break tank 18bis connected to a suction inlet of a third break tank 18c. A mesh screen32 may also be placed in the third break tank 18c for trapping largeparticle that passed through both the expanded metal strainer 28 of thefirst break tank 18a, and the mesh screen 30 of the second break tank18b. The mesh screens 30 and 32 may be of any density or configurationdesired. According to one aspect of the present invention, a 50 meshscreen (50 mesh/square inch) is used in each break tank. The break tanks18a, 18b, 18c may be of any desired volume to accommodate a particularapplication of the apparatus. According to one aspect of the invention,each break tank exhibits a volume of approximately 180 barrels.According to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, thecentrifugal pump 24 exhibits an inlet connected to the outlet of thethird break tank 18c via connecting pipe or hose 22, and an outletconnected to the self-cleaning portable liquid filter 20 via connectingpipe or hose 22.

According to one aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2, theself-cleaning portable liquid filter 20 may comprise a filter inlet port34 through which the turbid liquid from the break tanks 18 is introducedinto the filter. The turbid liquid passes through the inlet port 34 intoan inlet tube 36. A filter tube 40 is attached to the inlet tube by aninlet flange 38. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, two filtertubes 40a and 40b are used. Each filter tube 40a, 40b houses a coarsescreen filter 37 and a fine screen filter 42, as shown in FIG. 3. A seal41 is provided between the coarse filter 37 and the fine filter 42 toprevent the turbid water entering the coarse filter via inlet flange 38from mixing with the filtered water exiting through the fine filter 42and outlet flange 48. A seal 43 is also provided at the free end of thefine filter 42 to prevent escape of clean water through the flushmechanism. According to one embodiment of the present invention, thefine screen filter is a 50 micron screen filter. Each filter tube 40a,40b is also connected to an outlet tube 46 through connecting flanges48a, 48b, respectively. Finally, a clean liquid is discharged from afilter discharge port 50 located in an end of the outlet tube 46.

A plurality of flush heads 52 are connected to an end section of eachfilter tube 40a, 40b for discharging flush water and particulate matteraccumulated on the fine screen filter 42 upon actuation of the automaticrinse cycle. The accumulated particulates and flush water are flushedfrom the filter tubes 40a, 40b, through the flush heads 52 and into thesludge tank 60. According to one embodiment of the present invention,each filter tube exhibits three flush heads 52, which are connected to alarger (approximately 8" in diameter) discharge tube by way of acorresponding plurality of connecting hoses. The flush water andparticulate matter is discharged from the larger discharge tube into thesludge tank 60.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the filter flush mechanism may be comprised ofa hollow flush tube 54 extending inside of and along the longitudinalaxis of the fine screen filter 42, over substantially the entire lengthof the fine screen filter. The flush tube 54 may exhibit a plurality offlush nozzles 55 extending radially outwardly from a surface thereoftoward the inner surface of the fine screen filter 42. A radial flowflush impeller 56 is provided at the end of the hollow flush tube 54which is adjacent to the flush nozzles 55. The flush tube 54 may also beconnected at one end thereof to a hydraulic cylinder 58 which impartsmovement to the flush tube 54, flush nozzles 55 and flush impeller 56along the longitudinal axis of the flush tube upon actuation of theautomatic rinse cycle.

In the normal filtration mode, as shown in FIG. 4A, turbid water entersthe filter tube 40 through inlet flange 38 and passes through theopenings in the coarse screen filter 37 to the interior thereof Thewater then flows along the outer surface of the flush tube 54 along thelength of the filter tube and passes through the fine screen filter 42to the exterior surface thereof The filtered water is then dischargedfrom the filter tube through outlet flange 48. During the normalfiltration mode, water does not enter any of the components of the flushmechanism.

As water continues to flow through the liquid filter 20, a filter cakeaccumulates on the internal surface of the fine screen 42. Asdifferential pressure increases across the inlet and outlet of the finescreen 42 to a predetermined pressure differential, a signal is sent tothe rinse controller which engages an automatic rinse cycle. The rinsecontroller signals each hydraulic cylinder 58 to move the flush tube 54from the closed, filtration mode position shown in FIG. 4A, to the open,flush mode position shown in FIG. 4B. In the flush mode, water entersthe through the exterior of the coarse filter 37 to the interior, passesalong the length of the filter tube and exits through the fine filter 42to the exterior surface thereof, as in the normal filtration mode. Aportion of this discharged clean water passes back through the finescreen 42 into the flush nozzles 55, and the remainder of the cleanwater is discharged through the outlet flange 48. As the water passesback through the fine screen and into the flush nozzles 55, theaccumulated cake on the interior surface of the fine screen is carriedwith the flush water. The flushing action is created by suction appliedby the flushing heads 52. The flush water and accumulated particulatematter from the interior surface of the fine screen are drawn throughthe flush nozzles 55 into the flush tube 54, and are ejected through theflush impeller 56 into the tubes connected to the flush heads. The flushwater and particulates are then deposited into the sludge tank 60.According to one embodiment of the invention, the flush tube 54, flushnozzles 55 and flush impeller 56 rotate during the flush cycle toprovide more effective cleaning of the interior surface of the finescreen filter 42. FIG. 4C shows the filter mechanism with a clean filterprior to the piston return stroke. The piston of the hydraulic cylindermay then be returned to the position shown in FIG. 4A for normalfiltration.

The sludge tank 60, as shown in FIG. 1, may be located below said liquidfilter 20 for capturing the flush liquid and the particulatesaccumulated on the fine screen filter 42 upon actuation of the automaticrinse cycle. A flush line 62 having a first end connected to said sludgetank 60 and a second end connected to said break tank 18 may be providedfor recirculating the flush liquid and accumulated particulates from thesludge tank 60 to the break tank to be re-filtered. A centrifugal pump64 may be located along said flush line 62 for transporting the flushliquid and accumulated particulates through the flush line 62 to thebreak tank 18.

As shown in FIG. 1, a discharge valve 66 may be located downstream fromthe filter discharge port of the liquid filter 20. A sample point 68with a valve attached for removing selected amounts of water foranalysis and a turbine flow meter 70 may also be located downstream fromthe discharge valve according to one embodiment of the invention. Asshown in FIG. 5, a 1 micron filter 72 may also be located downstreamfrom the discharge valve 66 to provide additional filtration of theliquid prior to discharge into the environment.

The high volume liquid filtration apparatus 10', as shown in FIG. 5, issubstantially similar to the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, wherein likereference numerals indicate like components. The embodiment of FIG. 5,differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 mainly in the configuration ofbreak tanks 18' and centrifugal pumps 24' for transporting the turbidliquid to the liquid filter 20. The embodiment of FIG. 5 shows fourbreak tanks 18a', 18b', 18c', 18d' connected by connecting hoses orpipes to the adjacent tanks. The third break tank 18c' and the fourthbreak tank 18d' are each connected to the filter 20 by length of pipe22. Each break tank 18c', 18d' has a pair of parallel centrifugal pumps24a', 24b' and 24c', 24d', respectively, connected to an outlet thereofThe additional centrifugal pumps provide a means for adjusting the flowrate of liquid from the break tanks to the filter.

The process of filtering a liquid using the apparatus of the presentinvention is now described in accordance with one particular aspect ofthe invention. The liquid to be filtered as described herein is turbidwater which has been used to flush a pipeline after a chemical cleaning,dewatering, product displacement or the like. The turbid water isintroduced into the filtration device directly from the pipeline. It isunderstood that this particular environment is but one in which themethod and apparatus of the present invention can be used and otherenvironments are not to be excluded by the description contained herein.

The water to be filtered leaves the pipeline 100 and enters thefiltration cycle through a length of pipe 16 to which a full openingvalve 12 has been attached. The turbid liquid passes through the valve12 and enters into a pair of parallel gas busters 14a, 14b situated ontop of a first break tank 18a. The gas busters 14a, 14b each have slotsin the undersides thereof through which the turbid water and air aredischarged into the first break tank 18a. The water fills the firstbreak tank 18a and discharges through an outlet of the first break tankthrough a connection hose or pipe and enters the suction of a secondbreak tank 18b. After filling the second break tank 18b and equalizingwith the first break tank 18a, the water exits the second break tank 18bthrough a connection hose and enters the suction of the third break tank18c. The water fills the third break tank 18c and the total accumulatedwater located in the three break tanks are equalized through theconnection hoses.

The water is then transported from the third break tank 18c throughconnecting hose 22 to the liquid filter 20, by way of centrifugal pump24. The required discharge rate of the centrifugal pump 24 may beobtained by adjusting the throttle of the pump, or by adding additionalcentrifugal pumps in parallel, as shown in FIG. 5. The water then entersthe liquid filter 20 through an inlet port (not shown). Water enters theinlet tube 36 and into the filter tubes 40a, 40b and is filtered throughthe coarse filters 37 and the 50 micron filter screens 42 locatedtherein, as shown in FIG. 4A. As water passes through the filterscreens, dirt and particulate matter which cannot pass through thescreen openings accumulate on the internal screen surface. The filteredwater then passes through the fine screen filters 42, and throughflanges 48a, 48b into the outlet tube 46 and out of the water filterthrough outlet port 50. The discharged clean water then passes through adischarge valve 66 into a length of pipe 67. If desired, additionalfiltration can be accomplished by piping the discharged water through anabsolute rated 1 micron filter 72.

As water continues to flow through the filter 20, a filter cakeaccumulates on the fine screen 42. As differential pressure increasesacross the inlet and outlet of the fine screen 42 to a predeterminedpressure differential, a signal is sent to the rinse controller whichengages an automatic rinse cycle. The accumulated particulates arerinsed from the internal surface of the fine filter screen 42 with aflush liquid. A hydraulic cylinder 58 is actuated to move the flushmechanism from a filtration cycle position, as shown in FIG. 4A, to arinse cycle position, as shown in FIG. 4B. The flush water is thenbackflowed through said fine filter screen 42 by applying a suction tothe flush mechanism. The flush water and accumulated particulates arethen directed into the flush nozzles 55 provided on the flush tube 54extending into the interior of the fine screen filter 42. Finally, theflush water and accumulated particulates are discharged from the flushmechanism into the sludge tank 60. The flush water and accumulatedparticulates may then be pumped through the return pipe 62 to the breaktank 18c for re-filtering.

The present invention, therefore, is well adapted to carry out theobjects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as othersinherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments of the inventionare given for the purpose of disclosure, numerous changes in the detailswill readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and whichare encompassed within the spirit of the invention and the scope of theappended claims.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for filtering particulates from a turbidliquid comprising:an inlet valve for receiving said turbid liquid from aliquid source; liquid discharge means connected to said inlet valve fordischarging said turbid liquid and air; a break tank located beneathsaid liquid discharge means for receiving said turbid liquid as it isdischarged from said liquid discharge means; a self-cleaning portableliquid filter having an inlet connected to an outlet of said break tank,said self-cleaning portable liquid filter comprising a screen filter forreceiving said turbid liquid from said break tank and accumulating saidparticulates on an internal surface thereof; and a filter discharge portlocated downstream from said screen filter for discharging a cleanliquid from said liquid filter; a sludge tank located below said liquidfilter for capturing a flush liquid and said accumulated particulatesupon actuation of an automatic rinse cycle; and a flush line having afirst end connected to said sludge tank and a second end connected tosaid break tank for recirculating the flush liquid and said accumulatedparticulates from the sludge tank to the break tank to be re-filtered.2. The apparatus for filtering particulates from a turbid liquidaccording to claim 1, wherein said liquid source is an oil/gas pipelineand said turbid liquid is water.
 3. The apparatus for filteringparticulates from a turbid liquid according to claim 1, wherein saidliquid discharge means comprises a gas buster having a plurality ofrandom lengths of welded pipe attached to an oversized length of pipe,said oversized length of pipe exhibiting a plurality of slots in anunderside thereof for discharging said turbid liquid and air.
 4. Theapparatus for filtering particulates from a turbid liquid according toclaim 3, wherein said gas buster comprises two gas busters in parallel.5. The apparatus for filtering particulates from a turbid liquidaccording to claim 1, wherein said break tank comprises a plurality ofbreak tanks coupled to one another by connecting hoses.
 6. The apparatusfor filtering particulates from a turbid liquid according to claim 5,wherein said plurality of break tanks comprises:a first break tankhaving an outlet; a second break tank having an outlet and a suctioninlet connected to the outlet of said first break tank; a third breaktank having an outlet and a suction inlet connected to the outlet ofsaid second break tank.
 7. The apparatus for filtering particulates froma turbid liquid according to claim 6, further comprising a centrifugalpump having an inlet connected to the outlet of said third break tankand an outlet connected to said self-cleaning portable liquid filter. 8.The apparatus for filtering particulates from a turbid liquid accordingto claim 7, further comprising means for adjusting and controlling thedischarge rate of liquid from said centrifugal pump.
 9. The apparatusfor filtering particulates from a turbid liquid according to claim 6,further comprising:an expanded metal strainer disposed within said firstbreak tank; a mesh screen disposed within said second break tank; and amesh screen disposed within said third break tank.
 10. The apparatus forfiltering particulates from a turbid liquid according to claim 1,wherein said screen filter comprises a first coarse screen for removinglarge particulates; and a second fine screen for removing smallerparticulates.
 11. The apparatus for filtering particulates from a turbidliquid according to claim 10, wherein said fine screen comprises a 50micron screen filter.
 12. The apparatus for filtering particulates froma turbid liquid according to claim 1, wherein said screen filtercomprises a 50 micron screen filter.
 13. The apparatus for filteringparticulates from a turbid liquid according to claim 1, furthercomprising a discharge valve located downstream from said filterdischarge port.
 14. The apparatus for filtering particulates from aturbid liquid according to claim 13, further comprising a 1 micronfilter located downstream from said discharge valve.
 15. The apparatusfor filtering particulates from a turbid liquid according to claim 13,further comprising a turbine flow meter located downstream from saiddischarge valve.
 16. The apparatus for filtering particulates from aturbid liquid according to claim 1, further comprising a centrifugalpump located along said flush line for recirculating said flush liquidand said accumulated particulates from the sludge tank to the break tankto be re-filtered.
 17. The apparatus for filtering particulates from aturbid liquid according to claim 1, further comprising means forengaging an automatic rinse cycle upon actuation of a signal triggeredby sensing of a predetermined pressure differential across an inlet andan outlet of the screen filter.
 18. The apparatus for filteringparticulates from a turbid liquid according to claim 1, furthercomprising a flush mechanism having an inlet connected to said filterand an outlet for discharging said flush liquid and said particulatesinto said sludge tank.
 19. The apparatus for filtering particulates froma turbid liquid according to claim 18, wherein said flush mechanismcomprises:a hollow flush tube having a plurality of flush nozzles, saidflush tube extending into an interior of said fine screen filter forreceiving said flush liquid and said particulates upon activation ofsaid automatic rinse cycle; a radial flow flush impeller connected to adistal end of said flush tube, said impeller having a plurality ofradial outlets in fluid communication with an interior or said hollowflush tube; a hydraulic cylinder connected to said flush tube and saidflush impeller for axially driving said flush mechanism between afiltration cycle position and a rinse cycle position; and a plurality offlush valves attached to a housing of said self-cleaning portable liquidfilter, said plurality of flush valves exhibiting an inlet which is influid communication with the outlets of the flush impeller when saidflush mechanism is in the rinse cycle position and an outlet whichempties into said sludge tank.
 20. An apparatus for filteringparticulates from a turbid liquid comprising:an inlet valve forreceiving said turbid liquid from a liquid source; liquid dischargemeans connected to said inlet valve for discharging said turbid liquidand air; a break tank located beneath said liquid discharge means forreceiving said turbid liquid as it is discharged from said liquiddischarge means; a self-cleaning portable liquid filter having an inletconnected to an outlet of said break tank, said self-cleaning portableliquid filter comprising a screen filter for receiving said turbidliquid from said break tank and accumulating said particulates andcontaminants on an internal surface of said screen filter; and a filterdischarge port located downstream from said screen filter fordischarging a clean liquid from said liquid filter; a flush mechanismhaving an inlet connected to said filter and an outlet for discharging aflush liquid and said accumulated particulates accumulated on the screenfilter upon actuation of an automatic rinse cycle.
 21. The apparatus forfiltering particulates from a turbid liquid according to claim 20,further comprising:a sludge tank located below said screen filter forcapturing a flush liquid and said accumulated particulates accumulatedon the screen filter upon actuation of an automatic rinse cycle; and aflush line having a first end connected to said sludge tank and a secondend connected to said break tank for recirculating the flush liquid andsaid accumulated particulates from the sludge tank to the break tank tobe re-filtered.
 22. The apparatus for filtering particulates from aturbid liquid according to claim 21, wherein said flush mechanismcomprises:a hollow flush tube exhibiting a plurality of flush nozzles,said flush tube extending into an interior of said fine screen filterfor receiving said flush liquid and said particulates upon activation ofsaid automatic rinse cycle; a radial flow flush impeller connected to adistal end of said flush tube, said impeller having a plurality ofradial outlets in fluid communication with an interior or said hollowflush tube; a hydraulic cylinder connected to said flush tube and saidflush impeller for axially driving said flush mechanism between afiltration cycle position and a rinse cycle position; and a plurality offlush valves attached to a housing of said self-cleaning portable liquidfilter, said plurality of flush valves exhibiting an inlet which is influid communication with the outlets of the flush impeller when saidflush mechanism is in the rinse cycle position and an outlet whichempties into said sludge tank.